5×15 & Rathbones present the second event in the Earth Convention series, which looks at creating a green transition in energy and finance.
About this Event
2020 is the most critical year in the world’s response to climate change and the environment. The realities can no longer be ignored – from the Arctic to Australia, and our own changing weather patterns. If we are to tackle the issue every sector of society will have to play its part: energy, food, fashion, transport, finance. Why is it so hard for people to take steps towards solutions? Where does responsibility lie – with us, businesses or governments? What are the most effective things that we can do? And can we turn the pandemic into a defining moment in the fight against climate change? 2020 has been a year of crisis – but it could also be a year of opportunity.
To explore the issues 5×15 and Rathbones have teamed up to launch the Earth Convention – a series of online events bringing together world experts for online conversations this Autumn. We will be focusing on both the problems as well as the opportunities and the actions that we can all take.
Our second event in the Earth Convention series looks at creating a green transition in energy and finance that can help us move towards a sustainable recovery from the pandemic. How is business organising itself for climate action? How can the power of the financial industry, not least in the City of London, drive green investment? How do we ensure international development is sustainable? What is the role for market mechanisms and how much can individuals – as shareholders, for example – influence business investment and behaviour? We will look at technology, the role of the state and lessons from the 2008 financial crisis.
Speakers
Jonathon Porritt is Co-Founder of Forum for the Future, a writer, broadcaster and campaigner on sustainable development. Established in 1996, Forum for the Future is now the UK’s leading sustainable development charity, working with over 100 partner organisations, including some of the world’s leading companies. Jonathon was formerly Director of Friends of the Earth (1984-90), co-chair of the Green Party (1980-83), a Trustee of World Wildlife Fund UK (1991-2005) and between 2000-2009 he was Chair of the UK Sustainable Development Commission. His latest book is Hope in Hell: A decade to confront the climate emergency.
Mike Berners-Lee is a professor of sustainability at Lancaster University and the founder of Small World Consulting, a world leader in supply chain carbon metrics and management that has worked with organisations of all sizes, from the world’s largest tech giants to supermarkets to micro businesses. Mike makes regular speaking, TV and radio appearances to promote awareness of sustainability and climate change issues. He is also the author of How Bad Are Bananas, The Burning Question and There Is No Planet B.
Farhana Yamin is an internationally recognised environmental lawyer, climate change and development policy expert, CEO of Track 0 and Coordinator of Camden Think & Do. She has advised leaders and countries for 30 years. In addition to founding Track 0, she is an associate fellow at Chatham House and FRSA. She was an Advisor to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) for the 2015 Paris Agreement and played a key role in building the High Ambition Coalition, led by RMI’s Minister Tony de Brum. She is widely credited with getting the goal of net-zero emissions by mid-century into the Paris Agreement. She is also the co-author of This is Not A Drill: An Extinction Rebellion Handbook.
Matt Crossman is the stewardship director for Rathbones. Overseeing the work of the stewardship and responsible investment committees, he ensures active voting at company AGMs and is the group lead on the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into the investment process. He also leads thematic engagement with companies on ESG issues, especially that undertaken via the UN backed Principles for Responsible Investment.
Chaired by Rosie Boycott – cross bench peer, food campaigner and co-founder 5×15
